ASTON have signed a prolific Kiwi batsman in a bid to build on two successive promotions.

The Sheppenhall Lane outfit were promoted from Division Three at the first attempt last year.

Skipper Derek Wright has moved quickly to sign New Zealander Darryn Busch on a free transfer. He said: “Darryn has played his cricket in Australia over the last few seasons and I’m sure he will be a strong player for us. He’s an ex-New Zealand Junior Academy batsman, he top scored in Division Three in his last season in England.

“Hopefully we can carry on the good work from the last two seasons.

“It will be a new experience for us but hopefully a good one if we play to our potential.”

The junior section, which has under 11, U13 and U15 sides, practise on a Fridays.

Also in Division Two are CHOLMONDELEY who are looking to improve on last term’s mid-table finish.

In Division Three SANDBACH hope to do better than last season’s stuttering campaign.

They entertain Woodford (1.30pm) at their Hind Heath Lane base which has been spruced up recently.

Staff from NatWest’s Sandbach branch and club volunteers carried out a range of improvements including painting fences and revamping the nets and sight screens. The bank also donated £500 towards the renovation work. Branch manager Sally McEvoy said: “Everyone worked really hard but also had fun.”

Also in Division Three BUNBURY entertain Pott Shrigley on Saturday (1.30pm). They narrowly avoided relegation last season and will hope to avoid a basement battle this time around.